Marco Streller baffled by Blues criticism

Basel captain Marco Streller says he is surprised that the club’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last week was labelled as a “disgrace” for Chelsea.

Marco Streller celebrates his winner against Chelsea.

Streller, 32, who has made 184 league appearances and scored 89 goals since joining the Swiss side in 2000, netted the 81st-minute winner against the Blues in the first Champions League group game of the season.

“This goal definitely counts as one of the most important goals I have ever scored,” Streller told kicker. “That went across the globe. Moreover, it’s always nice to put one past [Petr] Cech, one of the best ‘keepers in the world.”

The former Switzerland international said that while the victory came as no surprise to him, he could not understand the criticism aimed at Chelsea after the game.

“They talked about it being a disgrace for Chelsea, but in the past we have eliminated Manchester United and Tottenham,” he said. “We made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League last season and have been to the last 16 in the Champions League the year before. I don’t think you can talk about it being a disgrace for Chelsea.”

“The most difficult game is already past us,” Streller said. “If we beat Schalke then it looks very, very good indeed. We’ve got two games against Steaua after that. However, having six points after Tuesday will be a huge step in the right direction.”